Neymar is out of the World Cup after he was injured by this challenge from Colombia’s Juan Camilo Zúñiga. Brazil's captain Thiago Silva, who will also miss the semi-final through suspension, said: "They take your dream of playing the World Cup semi-final and final. I love you my brother Neymar. We'll fight for you."

Zúñiga defended himself, claiming he did not deliberately try to hurt Brazil’s talisman. “It was a normal move,” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.”

Neymar lies on the pitch after the challenge by Juan Camilo Zúñiga. Zuniga also told reporters: "We wanted to score and it was a tough game. Brazil was marking strongly. I hope it's nothing serious, let's pray to God."

Brazil's defender Marcelo immediately called for help after the challenge on Neymar. Fellow defender David Luiz said: “He’s out of the competition. He’s a great guy and now he’s out. Everyone feels sad.”

Colombia's James Rodríguez offers support. Rodríguez was also subjected to some harsh challenges throughout the match. “There were also moments when our players were tougher than they should be, we know that,” said the Brazil head coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari. “We could have stopped ours and their violent game.”

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho said: "It's a big loss for us. We need to find a way to stay together and become stronger after losing our greatest player. We will try to win this World Cup and for sure we will dedicate it to Neymar."

As Neymar was being taken to a private clinic on a stretcher, Brazilian fans outside chanted: "Força Neymar". The Colombia head coach, José Pékerman, said: “It seemed to me the same thing happened with both teams. We lost the fluidity to the game because of that friction and intensity.”